top of page
Search
Writer's pictureJahanara Monaf

Rocket leaf



This hot peppery leaf is packed with essential disease preventing nutrients, and is a healthful way to liven up a salad.

Rocket, also known as arugula, rucola or roquette, is a spicy salad leaf with a distinct peppery-mustardy flavour.


Like most salad greens, rocket is very low in calories and is high in vitamins A and C. It also contains fiber and sulfuraphane, a substance known to have potent anticancer properties. This substance is found in all cruciferous vegetables, and is a potent stimulator of natural detoxifying enzymes in the body, and research has shown it to have anticancer, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties.


Other nutrients in rocket include vitamins B, K, folic acid, iron, calcium and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals are particularly useful for preserving bone health.


Health benefits:


Anti-ulcer effects

Scientists from Saudi Arabia found that rocket extract was a safe and natural alternative gastric ulcer treatment. Laboratory animals pre-treated with this herb extract were protected from the development of gastric ulcers despite being exposed to a host of toxins and stresses.


Tips for using rocket

Rocket can be eaten raw or cooked.

Combine rocket leaves with milder-tasting lettuce leaves to balance out its pungent flavour.

A simple rocket salad: mix together rocket leaves with quartered cherry tomatoes, sea salt and pepper, and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.


Reference

Alqasoumi S, Al-Sohaibani M, Al-Howiriny T, Al-Yahya M, Rafatullah S.Rocket "Eruca sativa": A salad herb with potential gastric anti-ulcer activity. World J Gastroenterol 2009 April;15(16):1958-1965.

1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that influence the way our cells and organs function. Our body is made up of several different types of...

Oranges and chlorophyll

Did you know that oranges have very high content of chlorophyll? In hot countries, as it never gets cold, the outside of the orange...

Selenium

Comments


bottom of page